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2023-24 Prediction: Buffalo Sabres to have strong December? Part II

By Sion Fawkes

Dec 7, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Buffalo Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (1) makes a save as Columbus Blue Jackets center Gustav Nyquist (14) looks for a rebound during the second period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Buffalo Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (1) makes a save as Columbus Blue Jackets center Gustav Nyquist (14) looks for a rebound during the second period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports /
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In a previous prediction, the Buffalo Sabres would enjoy a strong first half of December 2023. Will they follow it up in the second half?

After a strong predicted first half of December 2023, the Buffalo Sabres square off vs. the Columbus Blue Jackets to commence the second half. Columbus will be a stronger team this season, but the Sabres are one step ahead of the Jackets, and they should be well-rested following two days off, allowing them to take this one.

The Toronto Maple Leafs come to town next, and yes, the Sabres take this one too as they continue to ride momentum following their previous two wins. I got them dropping the next one on the road against the New York Rangers on the 23rd, and they won’t play another game until the 27th when the Boston Bruins come to town.

Just because Boston won’t be as good this season doesn’t mean they will be any less formidable. You’re looking at a strong defensive team, and that strong defense will overwhelm the Sabres and what should still be an offense-first mentality. This will be the second loss to Boston this month, as I had the exhausted Sabres losing one against them on December 7th.

Will the Buffalo Sabres finish December strong in this prediction?

The Sabres play the Blue Jackets once again at home on December 30th. And despite the two-game losing streak, Buffalo once again gets the best of a Columbus team that is still trying to mesh and discover their identity.

Finally, the Sabres face a rival in the Ottawa Senators on New Year’s Eve on the road, but as it’s also part of a back-to-back, Buffalo will feel some fatigue here. Ottawa, meanwhile, will have a day of rest in between, but the Sabres do enough to take this one into overtime, albeit a Senators win.

Related Story. 2023-24 Prediction: Buffalo Sabres to have strong December? Part I. light

Overall, four months before these predictions are proven right or in a higher likelihood, end up in a way I didn’t see coming, the Buffalo Sabres cap off an average second half of the month. But they are still well within contention heading into January 2024. And if you haven’t done so yet, make sure to check out Zach’s predictions for the second half of December 2023.

  • Record in second half of December: 3-2-1 (7 points)
  • Record in 2023-24: 21-14-3 (45 points)
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